1. Provides brief mental health and behavioral interventions (e.g., 1-5 sessions) for a broad range of concerns to support patients in addressing behaviors that contribute to health issues (including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, insomnia, stress management, substance use, weight management, and coping with chronic illness). Uses culturally appropriate chronic disease lifestyle management interventions to educate and support patients' physical and emotional wellbeing. Assists patients and their families in understanding physical or mental health needs and impairments, working towards problem-solving and strengthening patients' efforts toward their recovery goals.
2. Conducts brief functional assessments, considering relevant history and biopsychosocial factors, and develops treatment plan focused on functional outcomes and strengths-based solutions. Uses routine assessment tools (e.g., PHQ-9, GAD7, PCL, AUDIT C, etc.) to monitor progress. Provides timely feedback to patient's treatment team regarding treatment recommendations and progress.  
3. Triages appropriately and efficiently to specialty mental health services and/or other providers for continuity of care and to assure that patients receive appropriate types of service. Duties may also include brief risk assessment, triage, and linkage of patients presenting in crisis to their primary care or specialty provider appointment.
4. Provides consultation to primary care, women's health, and pediatric providers (as applicable) in real-time, frequently meeting patients in clinic for the purposes of delivering brief intervention on the same day as medical appointment. Effectively manages both scheduled and unscheduled visits. Also provides informal consultation to medical team and clinic staff relevant to patient care. 
5. Works in partnership with other clinical staff (medical assistants, nurses, nutritionists, health care practitioners, and physicians) to provide needed behavioral health services to patients. Provides education to the clinic staff on behavioral health issues, as well as consultation on tips for successful care management and patient facilitation. May offer clinic-wide trainings based on areas of interest or expertise related to integrated behavioral health topics. 
6. Documents in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) all clinical activity presenting diagnostic and interview findings, clinical evaluations, and recommendations. As a member of a team, reviews diagnosis and treatment plans of clinic staff and consults with Primary Care Providers and other care team members regarding a plan of care for patients.
7. Participates in program evaluation and/or performance improvement activities.
8. Maintains expected productivity and billing practices for services.

1. Possession of a valid license as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences; OR,
2. Possession of a valid license as a Psychologist issued by the California State Board of Psychology.

 NOTE: Professional Licensure: Applicants must possess licensure in their profession from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or California State Board of Medical Examiners at the time of application.

Additional Requirements:  Independent travel is required for some positions in this class. If so, a valid driver's license may be required at the time of application. A valid California Class C Driver's License may be required at the time of appointment.

Background Investigation:  Finalists for positions in this class will be required to pass a pre-offer, job-related background investigation.

Knowledge of: Specialized evidence-based interventions and treatments for general behavioral health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance abuse problems) and areas of physical health that impact behavioral health (e.g., chronic pain, obesity and diabetes); consultation and liaison skills; medical literacy, as demonstrated by familiarity with common medical terms, front-line psychiatric medications, understanding of medical culture, and previous experience as part of interdisciplinary treatment teams.

Ability to: Work effectively as part of interdisciplinary teams to effectively and efficiently provide clinical services using behavioral health techniques (e.g., chronic disease management, weight management, tobacco cessation, stress management, etc.); develop coherent treatment strategies that are problem-focused and solution oriented; integrate, collaborate and communicate diagnostic and treatment recommendations with team on behavioral health issues; prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports; make sound, professional assessments in a compressed period of time; collaborate effectively with a diverse client and family population with unique backgrounds and needs; establish compassionate but professional relationships with clients.

NOTE: The current position REQUIRES all candidates to be fluent in Spanish/English. Candidates who do not speak, read, and write fluently in Spanish and English will NOT be considered for the current vacancy. If you indicated on your application that you are bilingual, Human Resources will place you on the employment list for this job, which requires bilingual skills. Hiring departments may test you on your fluency. If you do not demonstrate sufficient fluency, your name may be withheld from future certifications, in accordance with Civil Service Rule 7.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: 

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards. 
2. Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates. 

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

Veteran's Points: Veteran's preference credit is applicable for this recruitment (5 points for veterans, 10 points for disabled veterans). To be eligible for this credit, you must be applying for this position within five years from your most recent date of: (1) honorable discharge from active military service; or, (2) discharge from a military or veterans' hospital where treatment and confinement were for a disability incurred during active military service; or, (3) completion of education or training funded by a Federal Educational Assistance Act.  No time limit exists for veterans with 30% or more disability.   

To receive veteran's preference points, you must: (1) check the Veteran's Preference Points box on the employment application form, (2) submit a copy of your Form DD214 to the Human Resources Department on or before the closing date, and (3) pass all phases of the examination process.  The preference points will be added to your final test score. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution. 

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. 

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one-year probationary period.

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT 

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 02/13/25 by 4:59PM PST.  Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.

Farrah Medrano, Talent Acquisition Lead
County Health, PHDRecruiter@sbcphd.org.